A click or pop when you open your mouth may seem harmless, especially if it does not hurt. It deserves a closer look when the sound comes with facial or jaw pain, headaches, trouble chewing, or a change in how your mouth moves. At New York Smile Institute in New York City, New York, Dr. Jay Neuhaus brings more than 40 years of experience and fellowship-level postgraduate training at the LVI School for Advanced Dental Studies that included TMJ care.
What Can Cause a Clicking or Popping Jaw?
The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and move whenever you talk, chew, or yawn. Joint noise can happen for different reasons, so the sound alone does not tell you what is causing it.
Grinding or clenching, injury, bite misalignment, and arthritis can all play a role in TMJ symptoms. Bruxism is a common concern because repeated pressure can strain the joints and surrounding muscles. Our article on the long-term impact of grinding and clenching explains how this habit can contribute to soreness, stiffness, and changes in jaw function.
When Is an Evaluation Worth Considering?
Pay attention to what happens along with the clicking or popping. A dental evaluation may be helpful if you also notice:
- Frequent pain around the jaw, ears, face, or neck
- Pain or difficulty when chewing
- Recurring or intense headaches
- Stiffness, limited opening, or changes in normal movement
Looking at the bite and jaw together helps our dentists determine whether the sound is simply present or part of a broader problem affecting comfort and function.
What Can Help With TMJ Symptoms?
Treatment depends on what is contributing to the problem. A custom oral splint may help create a smoother bite and reduce strain. A nighttime appliance may be useful when grinding is part of the picture. Other patients may benefit from repairing or replacing dental work that interferes with the bite, orthodontic treatment, or conservative measures such as exercises, massage, and cold compresses.
More complex bite concerns can overlap with damaged or missing teeth. In those cases, full mouth reconstruction may include restorative changes that improve alignment and function. Our discussion of advanced solutions for complex dental cases also covers options such as occlusal therapy and custom bite appliances when appropriate.
Painful or frequent jaw clicking can make eating and everyday movement uncomfortable. Dr. Jay Neuhaus and our team at New York Smile Institute in New York, NY can examine your bite and jaw function to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. Contact us or call 212-319-6363 to arrange an evaluation.